Avani Lekhara becomes first Indian woman to win two gold medals at Paralympics

Avani Lekhara, on Friday, successfully defended her women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games’ history.

The Indian para shooter scored 249.7 in the final - creating a new Paralympic record and also shattering the previous record of 249.6, set by her exactly three years ago on her Games debut at Tokyo 2020.

The 22-year-old Indian shooter took the gold medal ahead of Republic of Korea’s Lee Yunri, who shot 246.8 to win silver and compatriot Mona Agarwal, who missed the gold medal round and settled for bronze with a final score of 228.7. The two medals were India’s first at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

It was the first time India had a double podium finish in the same event at the Paralympic Games.

“It feels very nice to win another gold medal for my country and to defend my title, very nice,” Avani said. “It is great motivation to have (Mona Agarwal) on the podium.”

Avani is the second Indian after javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia to win two gold medals at the Games. Overall, this is India’s 10th gold medal.

Earlier, Avani finished second in qualifying with a score of 625.8 while Mona was fifth with a total of 623.1.

In the SH1 rifle shooting class, athletes can support the weight of the rifle themselves. The shooters have impairments in their legs such as amputation or paraplegia.

Avani Lekhara will compete in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and the mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 events at the Paris 2024 Paralympics next.